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Packets of smallpox vaccination points, London, 1873

The National Vaccine Establishment was founded in 1808 to promote small-pox vaccination and provide a trustworthy supply of lymph for this purpose. Vaccination stations were set up in Bristol, Liverpool and London. Packets of ivory vaccination points were sent to each station to vaccinate the general public free of charge. Vaccinators were also trained at the stations.

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Glossary

Glossary:

Glossary: Diseases and epidemics

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Glossary: vaccination

The introduction of vaccine into the body for the purpose of inducing immunity. Coined originally to apply to the injection of smallpox vaccine, the term has come to mean any immunising procedure in which vaccine is injected.

Glossary: vaccination point

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Glossary: lymph

Clear, slightly yellowish fluid derived from the blood and similar in composition to plasma. Lymph conveys white blood cells and some nutrients to the tissues.

Glossary: smallpox

Smallpox is an infectious virus unique to humans. It results in a characteristic skin rash and fluid-filled blisters. After successful vaccination campaigns throughout the 1800s and 1900s, the World Health Organisation certified the eradication of smallpox in 1979. Smallpox is the only human infectious disease to have been completely wiped out.